MANSFIELD remain hopeful they can unveil their new manager ahead of tonight's clash at home to table-toppers Burton Albion.

But chairman Andy Perry concedes an appointment during the Stags' enforced break after their clash with the Brewers is more likely.

With two of the games on the Christmas schedule – Kettering at home and Histon away – being postponed because of FA Cup ties, Mansfield do not play again after tonight until January 10.

And with the pressure off to make an immediate appointment, following successive wins under caretakers Mark Stallard and Adie Moses, the board may opt to take their time in announcing Billy McEwan's successor.

The two senior players will definitely take charge against Nigel Clough's side – even if a new permanent manager is secured this afternoon,

"I have to say it is not likely a new manager will be in place (before the Burton game) with the time constraints, but it is not impossible," said Perry.

"For the romance in football it would be great if we could parade our new manager before the match.

"But after tonight's game we will have the time to sort things out in full, one way or another."

Ilkeston manager David Holdsworth looked all set for the role after talks with the club's board on Christmas Eve.

He told the Evening Post he had been offered the job, subject to resolving a couple of issues with his current employers.

But Perry insists the issue is not that cut and dried, although the former Sheffield United player is one of just two 'strong candidates' remaining.

"But it depends on what Ilkeston do. We said we would probably like to offer him the job if his situation there could be sorted, but until then we couldn't offer it to him."